There are a lot of variables that FC Barcelona will have to keep in mind this summer as they progress. La Blaugrana do not possess unlimited resources and can unfortunately not sign whoever they want to. However, Barcelona did have a specific target for the left wing, but that interest has not amounted to much thus far.
Nico Williams, one of the most outstanding players for both Athletic Club and Spain last season, was the main candidate to arrive at Barcelona this summer. The 22-year-old explosive winger showed all the qualities that Barça needed in a new wide player, and he was their obsession for this transfer window.
Unfortunately, that deal has been put on standby as Barcelona now focus on Dani Olmo instead. However, not all is doom and gloom in Catalonia with the failed pursuit of Nico Williams. The Catalan club remains fortunate to have one of the world’s most successful football youth programs and it continues to deliver in times of need.
This time around, Barcelona have found their own alternative to Nico Williams right at home. As highlighted by SPORT, 18-year-old Dani Rodríguez is the solution that Barça have now turned their attention towards knowing that the arrival of the Athletic Club star looks highly unlikely.
Rodriguez, similar to Nico Williams, has ties to the Basque region. Even ensuring his arrival after signing him from Real Sociedad in 2020 was a tricky task, given that it is also a big hurdle to sign any Basque players as they are a bunch that is renowned for their loyalty to the place which gave them their initial chance.
After a great campaign under Rafa Marquez last season, Rodriguez achieved success with Spain in the Under-19 European Championship as well given that he helped his country win the entire competition. While being one of the standout performers for the Spanish U-19 side, Rodriguez cemented his status as one of the nation’s most exciting talents.
Now, upon his return from his vacation post U19 Euros, the player may get his chance under Hansi Flick as well. Already appreciated and acknowledged for his unbalancing qualities, he would be the ideal player to fill the void that Nico Williams was originally planned to fill. While he may not be exactly the same player, he offers a lot of exciting benefits by himself.
